EAA Chapter 1710 Launches Hi-Max Aircraft Build Nights in Clintonville, Wisconsin

EAA Chapter 1710 has officially kicked off a new hands-on aircraft building project in Clintonville, Wisconsin, and the centerpiece is a Hi-Max.

The chapter hosted its first Hi-Max aircraft build night at Clintonville Municipal Airport on Wednesday, May 6, bringing together EAA members, local aviation enthusiasts, builders, and community members for the start of a new experimental aircraft project. The event marked the beginning of what the chapter plans to make an ongoing educational and community-building effort.

For Mini-Max USA, this is exactly the kind of project that captures the heart of grassroots aviation.

The Hi-Max is not just an airplane kit. It is an invitation to learn. It gives builders a direct connection to the aircraft, from reading the plans to fitting parts, understanding structure, and seeing how careful workmanship turns raw materials into something that can fly.

That kind of learning is hard to replace.

Building More Than an Airplane

A chapter build brings people together in a way that few aviation activities can. New builders get to ask questions in real time. Experienced builders get to pass along hard-earned knowledge. Younger aviation enthusiasts get to see that airplanes are not mysterious machines that only come from large factories. They are built by people, piece by piece, with patience, care, and guidance.

The first build night gave attendees the chance to get familiar with the Hi-Max project, review plans, discuss the construction process, and begin laying the foundation for future work.

Projects like this matter because they keep practical aviation skills alive.

Wood aircraft construction teaches more than measuring, fitting, sanding, gluing, and assembling. It teaches discipline. It teaches patience. It teaches the importance of doing things correctly, not just quickly. Most of all, it gives people confidence that they can take part in aviation in a real, meaningful way.

A Perfect Fit for Community Aircraft Building

The Hi-Max has always had a special place in the light aircraft world. It is simple, efficient, affordable, and approachable. For builders who want a true hands-on experience, it offers the kind of project that can be understood, built, maintained, and enjoyed without needing a massive shop or an unlimited budget.

That is why it fits so well in an EAA chapter environment.

A Hi-Max build gives members something active to gather around. It creates opportunities for mentorship. It gives new people a reason to come back. It turns aviation from something people talk about into something they can actually do.

At Mini-Max USA, we believe this is one of the best ways to grow aviation. Open the shop doors. Put the plans on the table. Invite people in. Let them see how an airplane comes together.

That is how new builders are made.

Looking for a Chapter or School Project?

If your EAA chapter is looking for a meaningful hands-on project, we would love to talk with you.

If your school is searching for a high school or college project in aviation, STEM, shop class, engineering, manufacturing, woodworking, mechanics, or the skilled trades, Mini-Max USA would love to get involved.

Aircraft building gives students and volunteers something real to work on. It connects classroom lessons to practical skills. It teaches planning, teamwork, accuracy, problem solving, craftsmanship, and responsibility. Best of all, it gives people the chance to see their work become part of an actual aircraft.

A Mini-Max or Hi-Max project can be a powerful way to bring aviation into a chapter, classroom, shop, or college program. These aircraft are simple enough to be approachable, but real enough to teach the habits and skills that matter.

We want to see more groups building. We want to see more young people introduced to aviation. We want to see more chapters and schools creating places where people can learn by doing.

Reach out to Mini-Max USA if your group is ready to explore a project.

Future Build Nights

EAA Chapter 1710 plans to continue hosting Hi-Max build nights on a regular schedule:

First Wednesday of each month
Third Tuesday of each month
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Clintonville Municipal Airport

Anyone in the area who is interested in aviation, aircraft building, EAA activities, or simply learning something new is encouraged to connect with the chapter and get involved.

No one has to know everything on the first night. That is the point of a project like this. You show up, ask questions, learn, help where you can, and become part of the process.

Congratulations to EAA Chapter 1710

We want to congratulate EAA Chapter 1710 for launching this Hi-Max build and creating another opportunity for people to experience aviation from the builder’s side of the workbench.

Every aircraft project starts with a first step. A set of plans. A table full of tools. A group of people willing to learn and help.

From there, the airplane begins to take shape.

We are excited to follow along as this Hi-Max comes together, and we are proud to see the Mini-Max and Hi-Max spirit continuing through local chapters, volunteers, mentors, students, teachers, and builders.

Minimum cost. Maximum fun.

That is what this community is all about.